1. Real Weddings

A Destination Wedding at Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Liana Abdullina (25 and a physician) and Ruslan Safarov (30 and a physician) had planned their destination wedding to Turkey for months. They chose Is

Liana Abdullina (25 and a physician) and Ruslan Safarov (30 and a physician) had planned their destination wedding to Turkey for months. They chose Istanbul for their wedding since it was conveniently located between Ruslan's home country, the United States, and Liana's, Russia. Just before they were about to fly out for their wedding, however, they found out that the agency through which they were planning their celebration had been scamming them. Fortunately, their friends came through and helped them plan a beautiful wedding in just a few days. Liana and Ruslan had their ceremony at the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. This historic venue features ornately decorated domed ceilings and large candelabra chandeliers. After their intimate union, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed dinner and dancing at a restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the continents of Asia and Europe. Liana and Ruslan had to rush and pick out their wedding attire two days before the wedding. "We weren't very picky at that point," Ruslan says. Despite the last-minute hiccup, Liana and Ruslan had a beautiful wedding. "As long as we were together, nothing could have ruined that day."

Liana wore a strapless ball gown with lace appliques and a lace trim on her wedding day. She paired it with a layered cathedral veil, and she carried a bouquet of white roses.
Ruslan wore a navy suit with a red rose boutonniere and a silver bow tie on his wedding day.
First Look in Istanbul, Turkey
Liana and Ruslan had their ceremony under the ornately decorated domed ceilings at the Blue Mosque. The space is illuminated by the mosque's large chandeliers.
After their ceremony, Liana and Ruslan had a photo session in the old city of Istanbul.
Strangers showered Liana and Ruslan after their ceremony at the Blue Mosque, which is a famous tourist destination.
Liana and Ruslan celebrated their marriage with their close family and friends at a restaurant that overlooks the Bosphorus Bridge.
The newlyweds and their guests enjoyed a traditional Turkish meal for dinner, which ended with two wedding cakes lit with sparklers.